Are OKR Mid-Quarter Check-Ins Really Necessary?

In theory, no one should need a mid-quarter check-in to keep things on track.

Ideally, organizations should operate like well-oiled machines, with every team functioning seamlessly toward their goals.

But let’s face it—that’s rarely the reality.

Even the most organized teams can benefit from a pause to recalibrate.

Why mid-quarter check-ins are essential

Mid-quarter check-ins aren’t just for teams with tactical responsibilities; they’re vital at every level, from lower-level teams to director-level groups.

Often, managers and directors find themselves caught up in the demands of their direct reports, leaving little time to focus on their own team dynamics and objectives.

This is where a mid-quarter check-in becomes crucial.

It’s not uncommon to see executive leadership frustrated by a lack of OKR updates and transparency across their teams.

‍But here’s the twist: these same leaders might not be updating their own OKRs either!

It’s a classic case of leading by example—or not.

If you want your teams to keep their OKRs up to date, you need to do the same.

That’s the number one rule of an OKR implementation and OKR management.

Regular updates and mid-quarter check-ins are essential to ensuring that progress is being made.

If a goal isn’t moving forward, it might be time to reconsider its priority.

Focusing on the bigger picture

Mid-quarter check-ins are more than just a status update; they’re an opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture.

It’s not just about your team’s OKRs but about how the entire company is progressing.

Are there dependencies or roadblocks that could be hindering other teams?

Are you staying focused on the company’s overall objectives?

With only 90 days in a quarter, time flies.

Before you know it, the next quarter is here and you’re already in the next OKR workshop.

Staying on track and holding yourself accountable during the last half of the quarter is critical to avoiding the dreaded outcome of setting OKRs and then forgetting about them.

That’s why mid-quarter check-ins are one of the essential Results Rituals we emphasize in our OKR training.

How to run impactful check-ins

To make mid-quarter check-ins truly effective, it’s important to foster psychological safety within your team.

This environment encourages open dialogue, where team members can honestly assess progress—or lack thereof—without fear.

By applying the principles taught in our OKR training, you can create a productive and transparent check-in process.

During the check-in, ask your team the following:

• Do you need support in updating your OKRs?
• Are you discussing OKRs and actions in your weeklies?​
• Do you need support in creating action plans for key results that at risk?
• Are any cross-functional dependencies blocking the team’s progress?

During your check-in, ensure every key result is moving forward or at least has a clear plan of action.

Clarify any alignment issues, create actionable plans, and refocus on your strategic outcomes.

It’s a chance for team leaders to reflect on the past weeks and be honest about any slip-ups.

Too often, leaders fall back into managing by inbox or reacting to daily fires, losing sight of strategic goals.

A mid-quarter check-in is your opportunity to realign with those strategic objectives and steer clear of getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks.

By refocusing on your OKRs, you can ensure meaningful progress in the remaining half of the quarter.

They’re more than just a routine

Mid-quarter check-ins are more than just a routine—they’re a crucial part of effective OKR management.

By integrating this results ritual into your teams, they’ll be more likely to stay aligned, focused, and on track to achieving their OKRs.

Looking to implement these practices into your company’s OKR workflows?

Take a look at our OKR training services.

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